This bill protects Alaska Native artisans who incorporate migratory bird parts into traditional handicrafts. It clarifies that the Migratory Bird Treaty Act does not prohibit possessing, selling, or transporting authentic Alaska Native handicrafts containing nonedible bird parts, as long as the bird was legally and non-wastefully harvested.
Latest Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
AI Summary
Plain-English explanation of this bill
This bill protects Alaska Native artisans who incorporate migratory bird parts into traditional handicrafts. It clarifies that the Migratory Bird Treaty Act does not prohibit possessing, selling, or transporting authentic Alaska Native handicrafts containing nonedible bird parts, as long as the bird was legally and non-wastefully harvested.
Last updated: 1/5/2026
Official Summary
Congressional Research Service summary
<p><strong>Archie Cavanaugh Migratory Bird Treaty Amendment Act</strong></p><p>This bill states that nothing in the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 (MBTA) prohibits possessing, selling, bartering, purchasing, shipping, or transporting any authentic Alaska Native handicraft, clothing, or art on the basis that it contains a nonedible migratory bird part, so long as the bird was not taken in a wasteful or illegal manner. (The MBTA implements four international treaties that the United States entered into with Canada, Mexico, Japan, and Russia. The MBTA prohibits the taking of protected migratory bird species without prior authorization.)</p><p>The bill directs the Department of State to work with the Department of the Interior to enter into appropriate bilateral procedures with countries that are parties to the treaties under the MBTA to clarify the treatment of Alaska Native handicraft containing nonedible migratory bird parts from the species of migratory birds listed in those treaties. Further, Interior must modify any regulations implementing the MBTA to implement this bill.</p>
Key Points
Main provisions of the bill
Allows Alaska Natives to sell handicrafts containing migratory bird parts
Applies only to nonedible parts from legally harvested birds
Directs State Department to clarify treatment under international treaties
Requires Interior Department to update implementing regulations
Named after Archie Cavanaugh, honoring Alaska Native crafting traditions
How This Impacts Americans
Potential effects on citizens and communities
Alaska Native artisans would gain clear legal protection to continue traditional practices that incorporate bird feathers and parts into clothing, art, and handicrafts. This removes legal uncertainty that has discouraged some artists from selling their work commercially.
Policy Areas
Primary Policy Area
Native Americans
Related Subjects
Alaska Natives and Hawaiians
Birds
Historical and cultural resources
Scope & Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction Level
federal
Congressional Session
119th Congress
Citation Reference
255, 119th Congress (2025). "Archie Cavanaugh Migratory Bird Treaty Amendment Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-s-255
